Signs of anger with visitors in West Cork as multiple Cork checkpoints in force

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Multiple checkpoints around Cork have been implemented by Gardai as they expect people to flout official guidelines and make unnecessary journeys this weekend.

Despite Gardai specifically asking people not to travel to holiday homes this weekend, there is already growing anger in some parts of the county that reckless holiday makers are en route or have recently arrived to remote areas, and could be spreading the virus.

Yesterday, Gardai were given powers to impose fines and even prison sentences to people who flout the rules repeatedly.

Checkpoints have been set up around the county, with some people being turned back if their journey is not deemed necessary.

There were tailbacks reported around Cork, including on the N25 road leading to the city, while another checkpoint was operating near Midleton for traffic in the opposite direction.

With sunny weather forecast for the weekend, residents in West Cork have been vocal about the need for people to stay away from the area and not visit holiday homes over the course of the weekend. In Allihies, a sign stating 'No Visitors' was erected to try to dissuade people from continuing on their journeys, and similar messages are cropping up elsewhere.

Earlier today, Health Minister Simon Harris said the new laws are about keeping people safe and "not about snitching on your neighbour," while urging people to respect the measures put in place and to stay at home.

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Speaking to Virgin Media News, he said enforcement of the laws will be used sparingly.

"It is important that the Gardai have it as a last resort but they do have powers to ask you to return home," he said.

"We have got to remember why they're doing this; they're doing it because they're trying to keep you safe."

He added: "I think we have got to be clear here, I mean this is not a police state. The people are already working really hard in really difficult and stressful circumstances.

"People have been cooped up at home for a number of weeks trying to keep the kids occupied and people are trying their best.

"I think what we're asking the Irish people this weekend is to show common sense and we're all in this together.

"If I decided to break the public health rules this weekend, I'm putting your family at risk. It's not about snitching on the neighbour.

"It's about basically realising the seriousness of this. We have lost 235 Irish people to coronavirus, we have seen more than 200 people through our ICU so far, and sadly actually the majority of people in the ICUs aren't just older people that are being referred to.

"Everyone seems to think this is just a virus that affects older people, and it's also affecting many younger people at different ages as well so this is a virus that doesn't discriminate on age, doesn't discriminate gender, and it could not be more serious.

"So this Easter weekend we are asking you to stay at home. The alternative is so much worse."